India achieved a significant milestone in its space adventure with the launch of RHUMI-1, the country’s first reusable hybrid rocket. RHUMI-1, developed by Tamil Nadu startup Space Zone India in partnership with Martin Group, was launched from Chennai’s Thiruvidandhai. It carried a payload of three CubeSats and 50 PICO satellites designed to collect data on global warming and climate change.
The rocket, which is built for a suborbital trajectory and launched from a mobile launcher, has an innovative hybrid propulsion system that combines liquid and solid fuels to increase efficiency and lower costs. A generic fuel fuels the rocket’s hybrid motor and features an electrically triggered parachute deployer, making it completely pyrotechnic-free, which improves safety.
Anand Megalingam, creator of Space Zone, led the mission, which was mentored by Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre. This launch demonstrates the growing importance of private firms in India’s space sector. Space Zone India focuses on cheap, long-term solutions for the space sector, emphasising education and outreach by providing training in aerodynamic concepts, satellite, drone, and rocket technology.
In 2023, Space Zone India launched the ‘Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch mission, which involved over 2,500 students in a hands-on satellite project.
